Cape Girardeau murder suspect assigned new judge

Ryan Harkey, 23, of Jackson, was assigned a new judge in his murder case Monday afternoon. Harkey is accused of stabbing to death Jerry Conrad on Friday morning during a fight outside Rumors Bar and Lounge on the Common Pleas Courthouse lawn on North Spanish Street in Cape Girardeau. He is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Harkey's case was originally assigned to Judge Gary Kamp, who recused himself. Scott Thomsen was then assigned to the case. Harkey's arraignment is set for Dec. 27. He was still in jail Monday on a $250,000 bond. Monday afternoon a group of Conrad's friends gathered around the area where he was stabbed following his funeral.

Pertinent address:

36 N. Spanish St., Cape Girardeau, MO